The Clinical journal of pain
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To investigate the efficacy of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists for neuropathic pain (NeuP) and review literature to determine if specific pharmacologic agents provide adequate NeuP relief. ⋯ There are a variety of NMDAR antagonist agents that should be considered for treatment of NeuP. Nevertheless, continued and further investigation of the 8 pharmacologic agents is needed to continue to evaluate their efficacy for treatment of NeuP.
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Observational Study
Short-term Impact of Assisted Deliveries: Evaluation Based on Behavioral Pain Scoring and Heart Rate Variability.
Assisted deliveries (ADs) are used in current practice by obstetrical teams during labor when the fetus is likely to face difficulties. In this study, we hypothesized that pain related to instrumental delivery could impair autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. ⋯ ADs (vacuum, forceps, or both) are associated with persistent pain after birth, unlike normal vaginal deliveries. Moreover ADs are associated with reduced NIPE. Taken together, our results suggest that pain related to instrumental delivery impairs the ANS activity.
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The objective of this study was to investigate somatosensory nerve fiber function by applying different quantitative sensory testing including thermal, mechanical, and vibration thresholds over latent trigger points (TrP) and in its associated referred pain area. ⋯ Assessing sensory changes over latent myofascial TrPs reveal mechanical hyperesthesia, pressure pain hyperalgesia, and vibration hypoesthesia compared with a contralateral mirror area.
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Sickle cell disease (SCD) pain and hospitalizations increase during adolescence and adolescents with SCD may be at-risk for experiencing health-related stigma, which may result in poor health outcomes. This study examined relations among health-related stigma, pain interference, social support, quality of life (QOL), and hospital outcomes (ie, loneliness, pain reduction, and length of stay [LOS]) in adolescents hospitalized with SCD pain. ⋯ These preliminary findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing SCD-related stigma and pain interference in adolescents hospitalized for SCD pain as these factors may influence treatment outcomes.
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Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in youth have been found to be frequently associated with several chronic illnesses, including chronic pain. However, this relationship remains poorly understood. Previous research has examined the association between ACEs and chronic pain, but these have primarily been examined in the context of adults with limited assessment of ACEs and individual pain conditions. The primary objectives of this study were to examine the incidence and psychological/pain-related correlates of ACEs in a sample of youth with chronic pain. Exploratory analyses were also examined using primary pain diagnosis and number of pain locations. ⋯ ACEs exposure in youth with chronic pain occurs frequently and can be associated with increased psychosocial but not functional impairment. Future research is needed to further examine the relationship between ACEs and chronic pain in youth in a prospective manner.